Pasta con Pesto Rosso

Pasta con Pesto Rosso is a vibrant and flavorful Italian dish that features al dente pasta tossed in a rich, sun-dried tomato pesto, creating a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. This vegetarian main dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Sun-dried tomatoes - 100 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 40 grams
• Garlic - 1 clove
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes (for garnish) - 100 grams

Steps

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic clove. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the pesto, mixing well to ensure all the pasta is coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 590
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Provides healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.

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